spread beyond

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spread beyond" is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually means to go past the bounds or limits of something; for example, "The popularity of the theater spread beyond the city limits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Radiation spread beyond the plant.

The New York Times

Industrial action has now spread beyond mining.

The Economist

The pain could also spread beyond banks.

The New York Times

The effort spread beyond Swarthmore.

Harvard University

Goff's fame spread beyond Surrey.

The Guardian - Books

The uprising spread beyond London.

The Guardian

The implications spread beyond London.

The Guardian

The diminishing nickname has spread beyond sports.

The New York Times

The chaos spread beyond Chechnya's borders.

The New York Times - Magazine

Gradually Brahms's renown spread beyond Germany and Austria.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the technology has spread beyond cafes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spread beyond", ensure that the context clearly defines what is expanding and what boundary it is exceeding. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "spread beyond" when you actually mean something is moving within a defined area. For instance, if an idea is gaining traction within a company, don't say it "spread beyond" the company unless you mean it's also influencing external entities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spread beyond" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of something extending or expanding past a certain limit or boundary. As shown in Ludwig, it's often used to describe the movement of ideas, influence, or physical phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spread beyond" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the act of something extending or expanding past a certain limit. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from news reporting to scientific writing. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse audiences. When using "spread beyond", remember to ensure clarity regarding what is spreading and what the boundary is. Related phrases such as "extended past" or "expanded beyond" offer alternative ways to express the same idea, with subtle differences in nuance. Remember that the phrase should be used in the correct sense as the message will otherwise not come through the way one intends.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended past

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical extension of something.

expanded beyond

Emphasizes the growth and increase in size or scope.

reached outside

Highlights the act of touching or influencing something external.

permeated through

Suggests a gradual and pervasive influence.

transcended the limits of

Implies overcoming or surpassing restrictions.

outstripped the boundaries of

Indicates surpassing or exceeding established limits.

spilled over

Suggests an uncontrolled or overflowing expansion.

diffused through

Focuses on the even distribution of something.

propagated into

Emphasizes the act of reproduction or dissemination.

encroached upon

Implies a gradual and often unwelcome advance.

FAQs

How can I use "spread beyond" in a sentence?

You can use "spread beyond" to describe something that has extended its reach or influence past a specific limit or area. For instance, "The popularity of the artist "spread beyond" her home country".

What are some alternatives to "spread beyond"?

Alternatives include phrases like "extended past", "expanded beyond", or "reached outside", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "spread beyond" and "spilled over"?

"Spread beyond" generally implies a more controlled or natural expansion, while "spilled over" suggests an uncontrolled, often negative, expansion. The choice depends on the context.

Can "spread beyond" be used in both literal and figurative contexts?

Yes, "spread beyond" can be used in both literal contexts, such as a fire spreading beyond a building, and figurative contexts, such as an idea spreading beyond a specific group.